Impacting generational change by pairing youth facing obstacles with a paid, professional mentor. FRIENDS OF THE CHILDREN COMMITS TO STANDING ALONGSIDE OUR COMMUNITY'S YOUTH AS THEY WORK TO OVERCOME BARRIERS TO THEIR SUCCESS. EACH CHILD RECEIVES 1:1 SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE FROM A SALARIED, PROFESSIONAL MENTOR (CALLED A FRIEND), FROM KINDERGARTEN THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION-12 YEARS, NO MATTER WHAT. FRIENDS WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH HIGH-PRIORITY YOUTH AND THEIR CAREGIVERS TO SET AND ACHIEVE INDIVIDUALIZED GOALS, AS WELL AS ADVOCATE FOR THEM IN THE SCHOOL, CHILD WELFARE, HEALTHCARE, AND OTHER SYSTEMS THAT IMPACT THEM.